Sediment filter in saltwater mixing station

[RaymondNoodles]

I like the idea of a sediment filter within the saltwater mixing station but worry it's pulling out too much and clogging too quickly if the saltwater is running through the filter the whole time it's mixing. My thought was to add a bypass and install the sediment filter with valves in order to mix the saltwater adequately, then open the bypass valve allowing it to flow through the sediment filter after the majority of the mix has been dissolved. It should help remove some of the funk that ends up in the mixing containers.

 

[exnisstech]

I don't understand why you would want to filter fresh mixed salt water? Isn't the idea to disolve everything into the water? I use IO salt which leaves a residue in the brute mixing container but it just settles to the bottom and never reaches the tank. I guess a filter may catch the stuff that settles but maybe good stuff too?

 

[JGT]

I have a sediment filter on the output from my SW container into my sump. So it only filters the SW when I do a water change.
The crap it pulls out is pretty amazing.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

I don't understand why you would want to filter fresh mixed salt water? Isn't the idea to disolve everything into the water? I use IO salt which leaves a residue in the brute mixing container but it just settles to the bottom and never reaches the tank. I guess a filter may catch the stuff that settles but maybe good stuff too?

1. To avoid, or at least cut down on the residue in the mixing tank
2. Make sure none of that residue ends up in the DT
Check out this video by BRS.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

I have a sediment filter on the output from my SW container into my sump. So it only filters the SW when I do a water change.
The crap it pulls out is pretty amazing.

I was considering this method but I believe it will significantly reduce the flow and put added head pressure on the pump. Since I am already dealing with a large amount of head pressure to get the water from the basement up to the DT, this may not be the best method for my setup, but I might try it anyways. Thanks for the input.

 

[JGT]

Is your sump in the basement or upstairs with your DT?

 

[RaymondNoodles]

Is your sump in the basement or upstairs with your DT?

Upstairs

 

[JGT]

Ah, OK.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

I guess a filter may catch the stuff that settles but maybe good stuff too?

There’s really only one way to be sure…before and after ICP tests. Go Fund Me?

 

[exnisstech]

Interesting video. I guess I have sorta been filtering mine and not even thinking about it. When I pump my fresh salt water mix into the sump during water changes I place the hose inside one of the filter socks so all incoming water is filtered. At least as much as a sock can filter. I do it this way because it just works better to keep the hose in place while filling so I don't have to hold it.

 

[dwest]

I like the idea of a sediment filter within the saltwater mixing station but worry it's pulling out too much and clogging too quickly if the saltwater is running through the filter the whole time it's mixing. My thought was to add a bypass and install the sediment filter with valves in order to mix the saltwater adequately, then open the bypass valve allowing it to flow through the sediment filter after the majority of the mix has been dissolved. It should help remove some of the funk that ends up in the mixing containers.

I’ve been thinking about this as well. After about 3 years, the gunk from my salt water reservoir plugged up my AWC line. I bought some 5 micron RODI filters for this but haven’t tried yet. It might just be easier to clean out my salt reservoir every couple years. I don’t know. Let us know if you try the filters.

 

[WVNed]

Everything you want to keep will dissolve in water and pass a sediment filter. The filter will not effect the chemistry.
I would bypass the filter for 2 to 4 hours after adding salt to let it all dissolve.

I just drag the vat out on the driveway once a year and clean it.

 

[RichReef]

I run a Magnum canister filter on the Brute can I use for mixing. It is amazing the amount of stuff it picks up. It's really easy to clean. Just mechanical filter media. Do I need it? Probably not. After using Reef Crystals for years I added it to keep everything clean and it has done a pretty amazing job. It's the surface of the water not being pristine looking that made me try that out. Now I can't live with out it.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

I purchased this canister filter which has a valve for on/off/bypass. I'll leave it in bypass mode while the salt is mixing, for 2-4 hours.


Went with these filters. They have gradient density which BRS mentioned the importance of.


I'm almost done building the stand, just have to put the top on. Using a plywood/laminated desk top that was free. I have all the plumbing and the pump should be here this weekend.

 

[MnFish1]

I go with option - 3 I use a salt that doesn't leave any 'crud'

 

[dwest]

I purchased this canister filter which has a valve for on/off/bypass. I'll leave it in bypass mode while the salt is mixing, for 2-4 hours.


Went with these filters. They have gradient density which BRS mentioned the importance of.


I'm almost done building the stand, just have to put the top on. Using a plywood/laminated desk top that was free. I have all the plumbing and the pump should be here this weekend.

Nice. Let us know how it works for you.

 

[RaymondNoodles]

I go with option - 3 I use a salt that doesn't leave any 'crud'

Which salt do you use? I bought RC but I think I’ll return it and go with Fritz after seeing how much crud RC leaves.

 

[MnFish1]

Which salt do you use? I bought RC but I think I’ll return it and go with Fritz after seeing how much crud RC leaves.

Brightwell Neomarine

 

[LeftyReefer]

So I'm in the process of building a dedicated sediment filter for my mixing station.

My question is about the actual filters themselves... which type of sediment filter is best for a mixing station?

I'm half tempted to get one of the pleated filters that can be rinsed/reused rather than one of the typical depth or spun sediment filters that are more common in RODI setups.

I can use a typical 1 micron or 5 micron depth sediment filter that runs $3/$4 each. or I can use a rinseable/reusable pleated filter that runs around $6/$7 each.

What filters are you guys using in your mixing station filters and how often are you needing to change them?

 

[JGT]

I use the standard 5 micron sediment filter. They are dirt cheap on Amazon. 6 pack for like $20.